Zeena Isaacs
27 July 2009
Johannesburg — EFFECTIVE Springbok flank Heinrich Brussow had reason to be thrilled yesterday in what was one of the most exciting weeks of his life, writes Zeena Isaacs.
Apart from playing his first Test against New Zealand and making the most of it by earning the man- of-the match award -- a feat which confirmed beliefs that he has the class to play top international rugby -- he also celebrated his 23rd birthday.
Despite this, Brussow was under no illusions that he will continue to provide backup for the experienced Schalk Burger when he returns from his eight-week ban for eye gouging.
Brussow, who made his debut on the year-end tour to the UK last season, first stood in for Burger in the opening Lions Test and earned rave reviews from Lions captain Paul O' Connell and coach Ian McGeechan for his heroics at the breakdowns.
Critics, however, believed the true test of the player's abilities would be against New Zealand -- an examination he passed with flying colours.
He was so effective at countering the visitors' determined efforts at the breakdowns, he earned the respect of New Zealand forwards coach Steve Hansen.
This followed comments by Hansen last week that Brussow would be under huge pressure to fill Burger's boots because he lacked the brute physicality of Burger.
"Heinrich played very well," said Hansen. "He did well at the contact area. He had good support around him. But obviously he has a lot of talent."
Brussow was thrilled after going head to head against New Zealand captain and flank Richie McCaw, who is rated the best in the business and said: "It was great to play against him especially at home. Richie is a special player, so it was a great occasion. "
He was equally delighted about playing his first Tri-Nations game, saying: "It is every guy's dream to play against the All Blacks. It was definitely a step-up from provincial and Super 14 games. The things I learned today will set me in good stead for the future."
With Burger's imminent return from suspension, Brussow refused to harbour false hopes of replacing the player in the starting line-up. In fact, he admitted coach Peter de Villiers had been open with him from the outset about his position in the team. "Schalk Burger is world class," he said. "He has been SA's best flank for years, so it is huge to be asked to fill such a player' s boots.
"Schalk has been an inspiration for me for years. But there wasn' t much pressure on me to be like him. We have a good understanding with the coach and he has been honest that Schalk is the No1 flank."
Still, Brussow will have the peace of mind of knowing he has made a name for himself as an international flank this season.
While Burger is an extremely physical player and a work horse, Brussow is a specialist fetcher who thrives on playing toward the ball and feeds on forcing turnovers.
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